CMU Sweeps 15 km Classic at USCSA Race at Snow Mountain Ranch
The USCSA 15 km Classic on January 24 at Snow Mountain Ranch opened the race weekend with a demanding distance event that tested fitness, skills, and pacing. Cold temperatures and firm, fast tracks created honest classic racing conditions, rewarding athletes who stayed composed and efficient over the full 15 kilometers.
Women’s Race
Greta Bochenek delivered a decisive performance, skiing away from the field early and maintaining a commanding lead to the finish to claim first place for the CMU Cross Country Ski Team.
Women – Top 3
- Greta Bochenek (CMU) – 1:01:03.1
- Annika Beighey (CU) – 1:03:56.0
- Maddy Rosenberger (WCU) – 1:05:25.6
CMU also showed strong depth in the women’s field, placing multiple athletes well into the results.
CMU Women Results
- 1st – Greta Bochenek – 1:01:03.1
- 4th – Ellayna Potter – 1:05:41.5
- 11th – Ruthie Richardson – 1:12:53.6
- 14th – Mya Taylor – 1:15:50.9
- 19th – Jane Malouf – 1:21:51.8
Men’s Race
On the men’s side, Wesley Sumner edged out the competition in a close battle at the front, securing first place in just over 51 minutes. The men’s race featured tight gaps early on, with the lead group pushing the pace from the opening kilometers.
Men – Top 3
- Wesley Sumner (CMU) – 51:24.9
- Anders Hekkli (WCU) – 51:39.0
- Drew Crouch (UWYO) – 53:23.1
CMU Men Results
- 1st – Wesley Sumner – 51:24.9
- 15th – Jack Lackman – 58:09.0
- 16th – Griffin Gracey – 58:31.0
- 28th – Rylan Birch – 1:09:15.3
Notably, this race marked the first season ever on cross country skis -- and the first ski race of any kind --for Rylan Birch, a Grand Junction native.
With victories in both the women’s and men’s races, CMU opened the weekend in dominant fashion. The 15 km Classic set the tone for the rest of the United States Collegiate Ski Association weekend, highlighting strong classic distance skills and depth across the Rocky Mountain collegiate field.
Thanks to Our Hosts
Many thanks to the Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch for hosting the event. Special appreciation goes to Jeff Paulson, Nordic Director, for the warm welcome, exceptional hospitality, and extensive logistical support provided throughout the weekend.
A huge thank you as well to the grooming crew, led by Sean, for the impeccable grooming that delivered fair, fast, and consistent race tracks. The CMU Cross Country Ski Team is especially grateful for the way Snow Mountain Ranch has embraced CMU as its home team for racing and training.
Finally, special thanks to the Snow Mountain Ranch Ski Patrol for providing full medical coverage across the race course, with immediate transportation available for any athlete in need.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Fischer Nordic and Atomic for providing prizes and giveaways to our student-athletes. Their continued support of collegiate skiing is deeply appreciated and plays an important role in helping student-athletes feel valued and supported.
The CMU Cross Country Ski Team proudly skis on Fischer skis, and we are grateful for Fischer’s long-standing commitment to our team and to the development of college cross country skiing.